The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a stringent operation to clear Abuja’s streets of beggars, street vendors, and scavengers, detaining 34 individuals on Monday. The crackdown follows a directive from the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, instructing those engaged in street trading and begging to vacate the capital.
This enforcement, conducted by a joint task force consisting of the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, and other paramilitary agencies, was carried out across the City Centre, Airport Road, Kubwa-Gwarinpa area, and the Asokoro-Nyanya-Karu corridor. FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu described the effort as a “national assignment” and committed to professional and thorough enforcement.
Adamu Gwary, the FCTA Director of Security, shared that the operation will continue for two weeks, running both day and night. Officials reported arresting 15 beggars and 19 scavengers across different locations, noting that some beggars have gone into hiding following the minister’s directive.
According to Dr. Sani Rabe, FCTA’s Director of Social Welfare, those arrested will be given options to acquire vocational skills for personal empowerment, while those uninterested may be returned to their home states. Kaka Bello, Head of Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, explained that this operation is part of a broader effort to curb unauthorized street vendors and technicians occupying public spaces.
At a recent road inauguration in Bwari, Minister Wike emphasized that Abuja must not become a center for beggars and underscored his commitment to maintaining cleanliness and security in the capital.